The Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with the Centre and States reiterating their collective commitment to strengthening India’s mining sector, advancing sustainable mining practices, and securing the country’s critical mineral requirements.
The second day of the Chintan Shivir focused on key priorities for long-term mineral security, including the National Critical Mineral Mission, sustainable mining frameworks, and coordinated approaches to strengthen domestic capabilities across the mining value chain.
National Critical Mineral Mission Framework Outlined
A presentation was made by Shri Vivek Kumar Bajpai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, outlining the comprehensive framework of the National Critical Mineral Mission. He highlighted initiatives covering:
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Identification of critical minerals
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Exploration and auctioning strategies
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Strengthening domestic mining and processing capacities
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Promotion of value addition
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Building resilient supply chains through collaboration with industry and research institutions
These measures aim to enhance India’s strategic autonomy in mineral resources and reduce dependence on imports.
Recovery of Critical Minerals from Waste and Tailings
Shri Pankaj Kulshrestha, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines, presented on the recovery of critical minerals from waste dumps and tailings, highlighting the potential of:
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Advanced technologies
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Secondary mineral resources
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Circular mining practices
He emphasised that such approaches can improve mineral availability while ensuring environmentally responsible and sustainable mining.
Need for Timely Operationalisation of Mines
Addressing the gathering, Shri Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, stressed the importance of timely operationalisation of mines to increase the contribution of the mining sector to national economic growth. He underlined the need for:
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Expeditious clearances
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Greater accountability
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Streamlined processes
He stated that the Ministry of Mines is actively working to accelerate mining activities in alignment with India’s developmental priorities.
State Perspectives on Mining Sector Development
Punjab Mining Minister Shri Barinder Kumar Goyal highlighted the progress and untapped potential of Punjab’s mining sector and emphasised the adoption of:
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Modern technologies
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Sustainable mining practices
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Effective policy measures
to further strengthen sectoral performance.
Mining as Foundation for Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasised that a strong mining sector is a cornerstone for inclusive and sustainable development. He highlighted key priorities including:
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Effective utilisation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for the welfare of mining-affected communities
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Robust mine closure planning
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Timely and transparent auctioning of mineral blocks
He reiterated that States are key partners in advancing mining sector reforms and assured continued support from the Government of India to promote responsible mining and strengthen domestic mineral security, in alignment with the national goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047.
High-Level Participation Reflects Cooperative Federalism
The two-day conference witnessed participation from senior leadership at both the Centre and State levels, including:
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Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel
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Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy
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Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil
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Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
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Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha
Mining Ministers and senior officials from more than eight States, along with senior officers of the Ministry of Mines, participated in the deliberations, reflecting a strong spirit of cooperative federalism in driving mining sector reforms.
Conclusion: Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir
The conclusion of Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 marks a significant step toward building a future-ready, sustainable, and strategically secure mining ecosystem in India. Through close Centre–State collaboration, technology adoption, and policy alignment, the deliberations reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring long-term mineral security in support of India’s economic growth and national development goals. The second day of the Chintan Shivir focused on key priorities for long-term mineral security, including the National Critical Mineral Mission, sustainable mining frameworks, and coordinated approaches to strengthen domestic capabilities across the mining value chain.
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Source: PIB
